EU sets target of 30% reduction in vehicle CO2 emissions by 2030

The European Union has proposed a 30 percent cut in CO2 emissions from cars and vans by 2030 compared with 2021, when a fleet average of 95g/km has already been proposed for car makers. 

This brings the 2030 target down to a 66g/km fleet average as the European Commission aims to encourage a more widespread adoption and investment in zero-emissions vehicles by car manufacturers. 

EC vice-president for energy Maroš Šefčovič said: “Today's set of proposals is setting the conditions for European manufacturers to lead the global energy transition rather than follow others. It will entice them to manufacture the best, cleanest and most competitive cars, hence regaining consumers' trust.” 

The 2021 proposals were the first part of a two-step process to reduce Europe-wide total CO2 emissions by 40 percent. At the time, the plans came under fire from Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche, who added that even a 20 percdnt reduction between 2021 and 2030 would be “a steep reduction”. 

The push is being presented by the EU as encouragement to develop more electric vehicles, along with the promise of supported battery production facilities and charging infrastructure. There is, however, the possibility of levies imposed on non-conforming manufacturers, with commissioner for climate action and energy Miguel Arias Cañete saying: "We need the right targets and the right incentives. With these CO2 measures for cars and vans, we are doing just that. Our targets are ambitious, cost-effective and enforceable. With the 2025 intermediary targets, we will kick-start investments. With the 2030 targets, we are giving stability and direction to keep up these investments."

A tipping point at which electric vehicle sales outweigh that of petrol and diesel cars has not yet happened. It’s thought that the latest development could edge the industry closer to that point, as it will likely spur more urgency in electric vehicle development as well as encourage new investment in batteries. 

Šefčovič has already expressed concern in Europe’s progress in the area, having launched a summit to further the development and manufacture of batteries last month.